MovieChat Forums > Touch of Evil (1958) Discussion > Professional Film Critic & BigTime Cinem...

Professional Film Critic & BigTime Cinema Snob pronounces this OVERRATED

posted 9 years ago by slaphappy5000
4 replies | jump to latest

somehow, i never saw this movie

now i have

as any movie industry professional will tell you, the most important element in a successful movie is the SCRIPT. "if it's not on the page," all the great direction, acting, lighting, editing, etc. can't save it

this story was odd, yes, but was it interesting? not particularly

were the characters fleshed out and intriguing to us? arguably orson's character was, maybe 1 or 2 others, but the rest were not very deep

this was tough to sit through! i actually wanted to turn it off a few times. sorry orson; definitely way overrated

emperor's new clothes, anyone?

[–] Robbmonster 9 years ago

I declare there's no such thing as 'overrated'. All anyone can do is give their own opinion. You may say something is 'overrated', I may say it's 'underrated', and that would mean the current rating must be about right.

The more I see the word 'overrated' thrown about, the more I hate it. Almost as much as I hate the use of the word 'manipulative' when trying to convince people something is bad.

And Orson accepts your apology. He believes everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Or did you just have a bad Valentine's Day and was feeling a tad grumpy?

Never defend crap with 'It's just a movie'
http://www.youtube.com/user/BigGreenProds

[–] sleepybone 9 years ago

I've read a lot of the discussions here about Touch of Evil, and I have to say that I'm completely dumbfounded by remarks calling it "slow," "boring," or in the words of this thread's OP, "not particularly" "interesting."

I've seen this film in its various versions many times, and each time I'm fascinated by the story, the quality, and yes, the script. It certainly isn't a mainstream movie, and it's not for the simple-minded. The characters and performances all seem inspired, especially Welles and the beautiful job Joseph Calleia did as Pete Menzies.

Is the OP who wanted to turn this movie off a "professional film critic?" Well, why didn't you turn it off? Were you reviewing it for your important blog? twitter? facebook page?

[–] Robbmonster 9 years ago

Agreed. I don't think a 'professional film critic' would ever even USE the word 'overrated' to begin with.

Never defend crap with 'It's just a movie'
http://www.youtube.com/user/BigGreenProds

[–] Pharaoh-in-de-Nile 9 years ago

I'm pretty sure a "professional film critic" would know how to use punctuation.